PitchFest

Do you have a completed manuscript? If so, PitchFest is an exceptional chance to pitch your manuscript face-to-face with agents and editors — and stand out from the slush pile. We’re thrilled to say that more than 60 agents and editors signed up to attend PitchFest 2026.

PitchFest 2027 will take place in person on Thursday, April 29, 2027 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST at the New York Hilton Midtown.

PitchFest is set up like a speed-dating event. You won’t sign up for specific agents or editors beforehand. Instead, you’ll line up to speak to the first agent or editor you’d like to pitch. You’ll have three minutes to pitch and hear feedback. After that, you’ll move on to the line of the next agent or editor of your choice.  The whole session lasts for a total of three hours.

Here are some amazing success stories from authors who connected with their agents at PitchFest in the past.

Registration for PitchFest 2027 will open soon, and it will remain open until the day before the event. Registration for PitchFest is required for entry. PitchFest is available only in a package with ThrillerFest, Master Class, and/or CraftFest and cannot be purchased on its own. There is no virtual option for PitchFest attendees, though a few agents and editors may take pitches virtually.

Worried about how to pitch? We can help you! You can start by checking out our FAQs here and our video advice here. Then, if you register for PitchFest by Friday, March 12, 2027, you are also eligible to attend our Virtual Practice PitchFest (VPPF) event in late March/early April. With VPPF, you’ll have the chance to try out your pitch online during a free 15-minute session with one of our Author-Experts. It’s a great way to get feedback before the in-person PitchFest. Sign-ups for VPPF will open on Saturday, March 13 and close on Friday, March 19, 2027.

Please note: PitchFest 2027 is only for completed manuscripts. If you’d like feedback on an incomplete project, please register for QueryFest instead.

See the FAQ page for more details on how PitchFest works. Any additional questions? Just email Susan Lee, PitchFest Director, at susan@thrillerwriters.org.

We hope to see you at PitchFest in 2027.

REGISTER TODAY!

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